vol. 95 no. 4 May 2010

the newsletter of the golden gate audubon society founded 1917

Join the Fun! Birdathon 2010

here is still time to sign up for Birdathon T 2010 if you don’t delay. You can enjoy exhilarating bird sightings in your backyard, along our shorelines, or farther afi eld—and help Golden Gate Audubon support our important conservation and education programs. The spirit of friendly competition is in the air—along with the many bird species migrating through the Bay Area this time of the year. Sign up today to join this fun event, which is suitable for the entire family and community.

Mary Malec With just two weeks left before the May 16 Western Burrowing Owl eating a caterpillar, at Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley. completion date, you and your friends and fam- ily can get involved in the Birdathon by signing up online, over the phone, or in person at our Bay Area Burrowing Owls Berkeley offi ce. To register online, go to www. goldengateaudubon.org/birdathon. Face Many Challenges A birdathon is like a walkathon, except par- ticipants count bird species instead of miles. Friends, family members, and coworkers support espite the hopes and best efforts of dedicated Golden Gate Audubon vol- you by pledging any amount for each species you D unteers, the number of migrating Western Burrowing Owls that spend identify. Participation in the event automatically winter months in Berkeley’s Cesar Chavez Park continue to decline. Ten years ago, enters you into contests for a chance to win 15 Burrowing Owls were seen in the park. This past season (from October 2009 some fabulous prizes. to April 2010), only three owls were reported by 21 docents who spent more than You can register as an individual or as part of 144 hours observing the owls in the park. Three more owls were seen in the nearby a team. Once you are registered, you will receive Berkeley Meadow. pledge and tally forms (available online) along “Though once one of California’s most common birds, the Burrowing Owl is in with other helpful instructions to get you on decline throughout the state,” said Mike Lynes, Golden Gate Audubon’s Conser- your way. On page 11, you’ll fi nd tips for making vation Director. “We don’t know why the owl population at this particular site is the most of your time in the fi eld. declining. We’ve monitored them closely, tried to reduce disturbances to the owls, BIRDATHON continued on page 11 and even set aside some of Cesar Chavez Park as a fenced wildlife protection area.” Many local populations of the owls have been extirpated or forced onto substan- dard, remnant strips of habitat due to agricultural and urban development. In the 5 Speaker Series: Condors past 10 years alone, Western Burrowing Owl numbers have declined 27 percent 5 Volunteer Appreciation Day

(Institute for Bird Populations, 2010). Wind turbines, introduced predators, and 6 Alcatraz Field Trips invasive plants also threaten the owls. inside BURROWING OWLS continued on page 12 ROSTER Sneak Previews

board of directors Diane Ross-Leech President e are the bird people—this is the primary factor that distinguishes Golden Gate Al Peters Treasurer W Noreen Weeden Secretary Audubon from other environmental groups. We, like many other nonprofi ts, fi ght to Karim Al-Khafaji Sarah Peterman protect Bay Area wildlife and habitat. But for Golden Gate Audubon members, our mission Whitney Dotson Jay Pierrepont Alan Harper Phil Price starts with our love of birds. As a member, you can also proudly state that you belong to the Carey Knecht Linda Vallee largest Audubon chapter in California, an organization that has been preserving Bay Area Michael Lozeau Rich Walkling Mark Mushkat bird habitat for 93 years. I was hired one year ago to continue Golden Gate Audubon’s proud tradition and simul- executive director taneously to expand our capacity to restore additional habitats, educate more children and Mark Welther 510.843.9912 [email protected] adults, and protect birds from the imminent threats of development and climate change.

chief operating officer We are growing a larger and stronger organization to meet these challenges by reaching out Kevin E. Consey [email protected] to new members and constituencies. And we are creating new programs that will enhance conservation director our advocacy clout and position Golden Gate Audubon as one of the Bay Area’s premier bird Mike Lynes 510.843.6551 [email protected] conservation organizations.

conservation project manager You hear a lot about our signature programs. But there are several developing projects that Noreen Weeden 510.301.0570 we haven’t talked much about because they are “under construction.” Here’s a sneak preview [email protected] of what we hope to accomplish. Development Director Marsha Mather-Thrift 510.843.7295 • Work with San Francisco’s Bayview Hunter’s Point community educators and leaders [email protected] to expand our Eco-Education Program to San Francisco in 2011. The goal is to educate development Associate Rue Mapp 510.912.2515 children from diverse backgrounds to be California’s future environmental citizens. [email protected] • Improve Golden Gate Audubon’s website to make it a more valuable resource for birders eco-education program manager by providing such features as area bird lists and maps, and online registration for trips Anthony DeCicco 510.843.7293 [email protected] and classes. eco-education program coordinator • Introduce a Backyard Bird Habitat Program so members can create a thriving bird Rubén Guzmán 510.843.7293 [email protected] sanctuary at home that will serve as a model for the neighborhood. office manager • Increase bird monitoring and surveys to provide more scientifi c data on the impact of Stephanie Strait 510.843.2222 development and climate change on bird populations, and inventory potential coastal volunteer coordinator and shoreline restoration sites in order to save valuable habitats on both sides of San Jennifer Robinson Maddox 510.843.9374 [email protected] Francisco Bay.

gull managing editor • Coordinate with state and local agencies and nonprofi ts to enhance emergency oil spill Judith Dunham [email protected] response and bird and animal rescue. observations • Expand our Lights Out for Birds program in cooperation with PG&E and other corporate Bruce Mast [email protected] web editor partners. [email protected] • Work cooperatively with the SPCA and local dog-owner groups to establish effective programs for reducing the impact of off-leash dogs on birds. The Golden Gate Audubon Society was founded January 25, 1917, and became a chapter of National Of course, all these developing programs require money, and none is guaranteed. In these Audubon in 1948. Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Membership is $35 per year. Renewals should be sent hard economic times, most groups are looking to make cuts, not create new initiatives. But to the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce. The board of direc- we believe that these programs are important to Bay Area bird conservation and are worth tors meets six times per year (schedule can be obtained from the main offi ce). working to realize. The Gull is published nine times per year. Special Our new Development Director, Marsha Mather-Thrift (profi led on page 4), will join me third-class postage paid in Oakland, CA. Send address changes to offi ce promptly. The post offi ce does not and our board to help Golden Gate Audubon fund these programs. But we also need your forward The Gull. participation to turn this vision into reality. Look for the programs that excite you, and join Golden Gate Audubon Society us. Now is the time to get involved by volunteering, by helping us reach out to a business 2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G Berkeley, CA 94702 interested in sponsoring us, or by making your own generous fi nancial contribution. When TEL 510.843.2222 FAX 510.843.5351 you are deciding how important Golden Gate Audubon’s efforts are to you, remember that www.goldengateaudubon.org [email protected] we do it for the birds.

Nature Store hours: Monday – Friday, 10 – 5

Design and layout: e.g. communications —Mark Welther, Executive Director

2 THE GULL May 2010 conservation corner The Future Is Now Children these days face an uncer- tain future, as do birds. With the TERNWATCH GEARS UP FOR THE Conservation Committee toured the park planet warming and the climate 2010 SEASON with Parks Superintendent Susan Ferrera changing, life is in fl ux all around us. California Least Terns return soon to their to view the changes. Thus far, the Berke- Even though big changes are some nesting site at the Alameda Wildlife Ref- ley Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront years away and we still have a chance uge, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Department has removed small non-native to reverse climate trends, there is no (USFWS) is looking for dedicated volun- black acacia trees and other invasives time like the present for doing every- teers to participate in this year’s Ternwatch from a 200-foot section along the eastern thing we can. program. Volunteers still have an oppor- side of the main lagoon. Birders and other Every acre restored or preserved for tunity to attend one of the two remaining park visitors will now fi nd nearly 50 newly birds and other wildlife will be crucial orientations before the program starts for planted natives including Coast Live Oak, as species seek to adapt to changes the season. California Buckeye, Western Redbud, and in the environment. And every child Although the site is protected by a fence, Toyon. A small grove of redwoods occupies educated about what he or she can the terns are vulnerable to many predators, a grassy area alongside the main walkway. do to protect planet Earth and its including hawks, falcons, crows, and gulls. Other measures have been taken to protect wildlife—from birds and mammals Ternwatch volunteers observe and report wildlife habitat. to amphibians and insects—will help such predators, and the very presence of Work has been suspended for the nesting spread the message to friends, fam- volunteers appears to deter many daytime season and will resume in September. The ily, and others over time. predators from visiting the colony. The U.S. improvements, being done in phases, follow That is why we need your member- Navy–owned land is closed to the public, the recommendations of studies posted on ship renewal now to help support and the program offers a rare chance to view the city’s website (to view them, go to www. Golden Gate Audubon’s vital work. the habits of this endangered species up ci.berkeley.ca.us and do a search on “Aquatic Please don’t wait. The year is passing close: courtship, mating, nesting, and feed- Park”). Golden Gate Audubon supports the quickly, and we need your support to ing chicks and raising them to fl edglings. habitat enhancements at Aquatic Park and ensure that we can identify key loca- Volunteers must fi rst attend a two-and-a- urges you to come to a meeting of the East tions, mount volunteer teams to help half-hour training session. Then, from their Bay Conservation Committee if you want to in restoration, and reach out to more personal vehicles, they monitor the tern learn more about the city’s program. schools and families in order to save colony for three-hour periods from a safe the one home we all share. distance to spot any incoming predators EAST BAY DOG GROUP and to prevent any disturbance to the tern Several months ago, the East Bay Conserva- Send your membership renewal gift colony. Each volunteer is asked to record tion Committee launched a subcommittee now to Golden Gate Audubon at 2530 predator and Least Tern activities on forms to focus on issues related to dogs and wild- San Pablo Avenue, Suite G, Berkeley, provided by the USFWS. life in East Bay parks. The group’s initial CA 94702; go online and make your Volunteers need to attend only one train- task is to work with dog owners and dog donation at www.goldengateaudu- ing session prior to monitoring. They should groups to identify opportunities for reduc- bon.org; or call us at 510.843.2222. arrive between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The train- ing incidents of wildlife harassment due to Thank you from Golden Gate Audu- ing sessions, starting promptly at 6 p.m. and dogs, especially off-leash dogs. The group bon on behalf of the children and Bay going to 8:30 p.m., are held on Tuesdays, is already identifying especially important Area birds. May 25 and June 29, at the Alameda habitat areas—such as portions of Cesar USFWS offi ce, 2275 Monarch Street. Chavez Park and Aquatic Park—to set up Before attending a session, volunteers must clear boundaries for on-leash, off-leash, and RSVP to Susan Euing of the USFWS at dog-free areas. [email protected]. Our initial successes are promising. For example, a member created a sticker with HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS AT a photo of a Burrowing Owl that proudly BERKELEY’S AQUATIC PARK states “I saved a Burrowing Owl today.” Golden Gate Audubon has been closely These are being distributed to dog own- following the city of Berkeley’s program ers who are properly controlling their dogs to enhance the habitat for birds and other in Cesar Chavez Park near the Burrowing wildlife at Aquatic Park. Earlier this spring, Owl enclosure and are extremely popular. members of the GGA staff and East Bay CONSERVATION CORNER continued on page 4 Mayeno Amiko

May 2010 THE GULL 3 CONSERVATION CORNER continued from page 3 Our subcommittee needs your help, wintering warblers. The island is home to Golden Gate Audubon has produced but- especially (but not exclusively!) if you’re a 33 species of breeding birds. Islands provide tons from the sticker to be used when the dog owner. We meet at the Golden Gate habitat but can be especially vulnerable to owls return to winter at Cesar Chavez Park Audubon offi ces in Berkeley. Please con- introduced threats. This management plan later in 2010. tact Phil Price ([email protected]) if you is an opportunity to improve the habitat on The subcommittee will also focus on would like to attend or if you would like to the island for both the residents and the educating dog owners about the impacts help work on this issue. wildlife. We will continue to monitor and of their and their dogs’ behavior. Many dog comment on development plans for the owners think that if they don’t see their dog TREASURE ISLAND HABITAT island. If you are a Treasure Island resident chasing a bird or other wildlife, their dog MANAGEMENT PLAN or would like to be involved in ensuring that isn’t causing a problem. They don’t realize Early this year, Golden Gate Audubon future development is mindful of environ- that birds often fl ee when they see the dog submitted comments on the draft habitat mental impacts to birds and other wildlife, coming, and that birds may avoid, or at least management plan for Treasure Island. Trea- please join our San Francisco Conservation will avoid nesting in, areas that get a lot of sure Island, which is man-made, adjoins Committee. visits from dogs. In this way, dogs can have Yerba Buena, a natural island that is steep a large negative impact even if they never and rocky. Both are connected by the San STAY INFORMED WITH chase or harass birds or other wildlife. Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge to the city GGA CONSERVATION ONLINE Most dog owners care about animals, and and the East Bay. Plans call for redevel- Golden Gate Audubon now has an online we believe that more owners would cooper- oping this former naval station to provide forum where participants can share infor- ate with leash laws and rules intended to 200–300 new homes and 74 acres of parks mation about local conservation topics and protect wildlife if they understood these and open space. Treasure Island currently interact with each other in a timely man- impacts. We will also work with the East has many native and non-native plants. ner. To sign up with GGAS Conservation, Bay Park District and East Bay cities to Golden Gate Audubon’s 2009 Christmas go to www.yahoogroups.com and do a improve signage, provide educational bro- Bird Count, covering both islands, showed search for GGAS Conservation. Follow the chures, and mobilize volunteers to help get 34 species, including Red-throated Loon, simple instructions to subscribe. You will the word out. Black Oystercatcher, and several species of then receive a welcome message. Once you are a member, you can send a message to all subscribers. This discussion group is a GGA Welcomes Marsha Mather-Thrift quick and easy way to stay informed and Marsha Mather-Thrift joined Golden Gate Audubon in early March as our fi rst devel- participate in the Golden Gate Audubon opment director, and we are thrilled to have her. She was chosen from a fi eld of 35 conservation community. highly qualifi ed candidates because of her 30 years of nonprofi t management and fundraising experience in environmental organizations both large and small. CARPOOL WITH GOLDEN GATE Most recently, Marsha managed the West Coast AUDUBON offi ce, and the national development program, for If you are going on a fi eld trip, would you Friends of the Earth. She joined Friends of the Earth welcome company? Do you have room following its 2005 merger with Bluewater Network, in your car to take other birders? Or do in which she played a key role as Bluewater’s manag- you need a ride to an out-of-town class or ing director. For 10 years prior to that, Marsha was weekend-long trip? The answer to these development director for San Francisco BayKeeper, questions may be found by going to Golden where she worked with then executive director and Gate Audubon’s carpool group at http:// current GGA board member Michael Lozeau. She groups.yahoo.com/groups/GGACarPool. also served as executive director of the California It’s easy to sign up to become a member Wildlife Center (now WildCare) and the Foundation of the group. Then, you simply post mes- for Ethical Studies. sages under the subject of “Need Ride” or Marsha lives in Mill Valley and enjoys hiking nearby Tennessee Valley, running with “Offer Ride,” along with the destination and her college-age daughters at Muir Beach, and playing soccer. She is also turning date. The more birders who sign up, the her backyard into a native plant oasis after gardening success in attracting butter- more useful the group will be. fl ies, native bees, and birds to her front yard. Carpooling works well for people who live near each other or can determine a conve- As Development Director, Marsha will be working closely with GGA Executive nient meeting place. It is also practical when Director Mark Welther and the board of directors to engage more members and parking is limited, like the trip to Alcatraz donors and to build the short- and long-term resources needed to fund our exciting (page 6), which departs from San Francisco. and important programs. Please join us in welcoming Marsha. CONSERVATION CORNER continued on page 10

4 THE GULL May 2010 speaker series Volunteer Opportunities and JENNIFER ROBINSON MADDOX, COORDINATOR Events Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m. – noon The Natural History and Future Pier 94 wetlands restoration work- of California Condors day. As part of our ongoing efforts Daniel George to restore wetlands along San Fran- San Francisco: Thursday, May 20 cisco’s southern waterfront, we will 7 p.m. refreshments, 7:30 p.m. continue weeding the wetland and presentation working on the new upland plots. In 1982, there were only 22 California con- Join us and see what birds have dors left in the world. Through a successful come back to the wetland. Refresh- captive breeding population and nearly 20 ments provided. years of efforts to reestablish populations in Saturday, May 15, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. the wild, there are now nearly 350 condors, Wetland habitat restoration at the

over half of which are free fl ying in the wild. Service Park National MLK Jr. Shoreline in Oakland. We will Five release sites have been established in Condor 318 on this year’s nest in Pinnacles National continue our work around Arrowhead Monument. the American West and Baja California. Marsh and Elmhurst Creek. Join us Pinnacles National Monument manages one of three condor release sites in California. for weeding—and for watching the More than 20 of the state’s rarest birds now fl y over the Gabilan Mountains and beyond. foraging and diving waterfowl and Pinnacles joined the recovery effort in 2003, and the national monument has worked with shorebirds. Refreshments provided. a wide range of partners to reestablish a wild population and study free-ranging condors to Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. – noon learn about threats to their survival. A comparison of what has been learned in the contem- White-crowned Sparrow habitat porary era to what we know of landscape-level changes to California and the West during restoration. Participate in restoring the 19th and 20th centuries helps inform us of strategies that will be effective in eventually habitat along Golden Gate Park’s building a self-sustaining wild population. bison paddock by planting natives, Daniel George is a National Park Service wildlife biologist who has concentrated on weeding established sites, and endangered species research since 1995. Having worked at Mt. Rainier National Park on nurturing the area for local White- Marbled Murrelet nesting studies and at the Point Reyes National Seashore on Spotted crowned Sparrows. Closed-toed Owl population demography, he joined Pinnacles National Monument on California Condor shoes recommended. If you are part recovery efforts in 2006 and currently works at Pinnacles as the condor program manager. of a group of fi ve or more, please RSVP to [email protected]. San Francisco Speaker Series: First Unitarian Universalist Church and Center, 1187 Franklin Street at Geary. Visit www.uusf.org/visitors_faq.html, and use the Map It! link on the left for directions. Public tran- Field Trip Leaders sit, street parking, and parking in a lot for a fee are available. We are always looking for new fi eld trip leaders to take Golden Gate Audubon members and volunteers Volunteer Appreciation Party – You’re Invited! to locations around the San Francisco Bay Area. This summer, Golden Gate To recognize the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, Golden Gate Audubon is holding our Audubon will host a training session annual Volunteer Thank-You Party on Saturday, May 22, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Marina for new and current fi eld trip leaders. Bay Park, Richmond. We will gather near the Rosie the Riveter Memorial for a delicious If you have thought about becoming spring picnic. We hope to see volunteers and their guests from all around the bay for good a leader, this is your chance to learn food and good company, as well as for bird walks to nearby Meeker Slough, awards and from other fi eld trip leaders. To fi nd prizes, and other activities for all members of the family. out more, please contact Jennifer We encourage carpooling, but if you drive, you’ll fi nd plenty of parking adjacent to the Robinson Maddox. picnic area. From I-580 north, take the Marina Bay Parkway/South 23rd Street exit. Turn south (toward the bay) on Marina Bay Parkway, go over the freeway, and proceed to Regatta For updates on these workdays and Boulevard. Turn right onto Regatta, then left at the fi rst stop sign. Marina Bay Park is at for directions, visit www.goldengate- the corner of Regatta and Marina Bay Parkway. We will provide shuttle service from the audubon.org/volunteer. Questions? Richmond BART Station. Please contact Jennifer Robinson This year, we are not mailing paper invitations, so please accept this as your invitation Maddox, Golden Gate Audubon Vol- to attend the party. Please RSVP by May 10. In your RSVP, let us know if you need a ride unteer Coordinator, at jrobinson@ or shuttle service or have food allergies. Contact Jennifer Robinson Maddox at jrobinson@ goldengateaudubon.org. goldengateaudubon.org or 510.843.9374.

May 2010 THE GULL 5 fi eld trips $ Entrance fee Biking trip JENNIFER ROBINSON MADDOX, COORDINATOR

For questions about individual fi eld trips, contact the leaders. If you cannot reach a designated routes through the Presi- leader, contact Jennifer Robinson Maddox at 510.843.9374. Field trips are also listed on dio counting species of concern such as the Golden Gate Audubon website at www.goldengateaudubon.org. Wrentits, Wilson’s Warblers, and Olive- sided Flycatchers.

San Francisco Botanical Garden Wilson’s Warblers, and Warbling Vireos, These estimates will help document Golden Gate Park among others. trends in bird populations in the Presidio Sunday, May 2, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and the effect that restoration and refor- Alan Ridley, [email protected]; Helen Wildcat Canyon Regional Park estation are having on breeding habitat in McKenna, 415.566.3241; Ginny Marshall; El Cerrito, Contra Costa County the park. The data is only strengthened by Dominik Mosur, [email protected] Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. continued monitoring—but we need your Malcolm Sproul, 925.376.8945 Meet at the front gate of the garden in help. Novice birders will be paired with Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Meet by the Arlington Clubhouse on experienced birders, so this is a great way Way. This delightful section of the park Arlington Ave. in El Cerrito, next to the to learn to identify common San Francisco has several micro-habitats that attract an tennis courts between Brewster Dr. and birds both by sight and by their spring array of resident, migrant, and vagrant Thors Day Rd. We’ll drive to the trailhead songs. After walking their routes, teams birds. This monthly trip is oriented toward on Rifl e Range Rd., then walk a hilly tran- will reconvene at the Crissy Field Center helping beginning birders develop their sect of the canyon to bird the brushlands, to share their birding highlights. The walk skills in spotting and identifying birds. oak woodlands, riparian areas, and grass- will begin at the old Crissy Field Center, lands. This is a 5-mile hike and is being corner of 603 Mason and Halleck St. Jewel Lake led by Malcolm Sproul for the 30th year! Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Bring lunch and liquids. Garin Regional Park Friday, May 7, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Hayward, Alameda County Phila Rogers, 510.848.9156, philajane6@ 2010 Annual Spring Bird Survey Sunday, May 9, 8 a.m. yahoo.com Presidio, San Francisco Anne Hoff, [email protected] Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m. – noon We continue our monthly fi rst Friday Birds we might see are breeders in spring Steve Phillips, [email protected], trips at Tilden Park. Meet at the parking plumage, including goldfi nches and 415.561.4446 lot at the north end of Central Park Dr. fi nches, orioles, Western Bluebirds, swal- for a 1-mile, 2-hour-plus stroll through Celebrate International Migratory Bird lows, and sparrows. It is likely we will see this lush riparian area. In early April, Day by collecting data on the Presidio’s raptors soaring over the hillside. Take I-880 south to Tennyson Rd. (exit 26). Drive the spring breeding birds are return- breeding bird species. Since 2005, one east on Tennyson to Mission Blvd., turn right, and ing, and many will be singing. We’ll look morning each spring, volunteer bird- go south on Mission for about 1 mile. Turn left onto and listen for Black-headed Grosbeaks, watchers have walked one of eight Garin Ave. and continue up the hill. The road ends at the park entrance kiosk. Meet in the parking lot near- est the creek to the left after kiosk. $

Alcatraz Island Wednesday, May 12: Bob Lewis, bob@ wingbeats.org Wednesday, June 9: Eddie Bartley, [email protected] Spaces may still be available on these trips offered exclusively to Golden Gate Audubon Supporting Members. Each trip is limited to 10 participants. We can expect to see numerous breeding birds, including Pigeon Guillemots and Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants. Birders need to meet at 8:30 a.m. to board the ferry. The trip ends at 11 a.m., though we may stay Alex Navarro/www.pbase.com/alxnavarro Alex Purple Finch at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. on the island later.

6 THE GULL May 2010 Reserve your spot by contacting Stepha- Meet at Five Brooks Pond parking lot, Take the 12, N, or NL bus to Grand and Perkins, and nie Strait, GGA Offi ce Manager, ggas@ located 3–4 miles south of Olema. We walk into the park on Perkins. The best parking is at the boathouse lot near the spherical cage. Entry (via goldengateaudubon.org or 510.843.2222. will spend the fi rst hour exploring the Bellevue near Children’s Fairyland) is probably free Once you have received confi rmation, Five Brooks pond on a fl at trail of about on weekday mornings, but will be $3 if the kiosk is book space on the ferry with Alcatraz .5 mile, where we expect to see Wilson’s occupied when you arrive. Cruises at 415.981.7625 or www.alca- Warblers and possibly Wood Duck. trazcruises.com. Buy a ticket ($26) for the Hayward Regional Shoreline 9 a.m. Early Bird Tour. Tickets sell out sev- Afterward, we will get our lunches, water, Hayward, Alameda County eral days in advance, so reserve as soon and daypacks from our cars and head Saturday, June 5, 8:45 a.m. – noon as possible. The ferry departs from Pier upslope into the forest searching for Rusty Scalf, [email protected], 33, near the corner of Bay St. and Embar- Pileated Woodpecker while listening to 510.666.9936 (email preferred) a chorus of Winter Wrens. The hike will cadero. Each walk is about 1.5 hours. $ We will meet at the Hayward Shoreline be about 4 miles round-trip, and we may Interpretive Center on Breakwater Ave. Corona Heights climb as much as 800 feet. We will picnic (www.haywardrec.org/hayshore.html). At San Francisco on a fl at spot with downed logs if we can 9 a.m., we will proceed to the water rec- Friday, May 21, 8 – 10 a.m. fi nd one. The trail may be muddy, and the lamation area, located behind the locked Charles Hibbard; Brian Fitch; Dominik weather may be foggy and cool. gate. This area has been great for nest- Mosur, [email protected] ing waterfowl and herons. Redhead and Meet in front of the Randall Museum, 199 Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park Lesser Scaup have nested here success- Museum Way, at the end of Museum Way Oakland, Alameda County fully during more than one season; both off Roosevelt. We will enjoy views of the Wednesday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. – noon nest very rarely in the Bay Area. Eared city and bay as we circle Corona Heights, Meet at the large spherical cage near the Grebes have nested here as well. From checking the east canyon woodland Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. a distance, we will observe a tern colony and the north forest for residents and We will bird around the Nature Center, that has had both Forster’s and Least migrants, as well as monitoring the hilltop then go up the garden path toward Chil- Terns. Avocets and stilts ought to have scrub and south cliff. dren’s Fairyland or walk down the lake young by this date. toward Embarcadero, after which we will This trip is limited to 20 participants. Point Reyes National Seashore cover what we missed. Now that spring Please contact Rusty to save a spot; late- Marin County has arrived at Lake Merritt, come see our comers will not be admitted. Sunday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. regular visitors and, with luck, a few sur- Emilie Strauss, 510.540.8749 prises, too. FIELD TRIPS continued on page 8

Bob’s Birders Bob Lewis will lead a series of birding trips in Alameda County May 4, Garin Regional Park, 1 – 4 p.m. over a 48-hour Birdathon period. Together, the trips will explore Our targets are orioles, bluebirds, wood- the springtime bounties of our many East Bay regional parks. peckers, and other dry country birds. The trips focus on seeing as many birds as possible during the period in order to enable you to build your own lists for May 4, Redwood Regional Park, your Birdathon contributors. Participants will be expected to 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. make a contribution of $20 for each trip and $25 for the owl- After we meet at the Redwood Rd. ing trip to the Birdathon on behalf of Bob’s Birders. For maps entrance, we’ll look and listen for owls. This and directions to the parks, along with other information, go to trip is limited to 20, and a $25 contribution is expected. To sign www.ebparks.org/parks. up, contact Rue Mapp at [email protected].

You can also participate through any of our regularly sched- May 5, Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, 6 – 9 a.m. uled fi eld trips during the Birdathon to accumulate species and We’ll meet at the end of Edgewater and cover the adjacent areas make a pledge. For more suggestions on how to raise Birdathon of the shoreline, including Arrowhead Marsh, on an ebbing tide. pledges or participate in the Birdathon contest, see page 1 Targets are shorebirds, rails, gulls, and terns. or go to www.goldengateaudubon.org. May 5, Hayward Regional Shoreline, 4 – 7 p.m. May 4, Coyote Hills Regional Park, 8 – 11 a.m. Meeting place is the end of West Winton. Our targets are lin- We’ll look for herons, raptors, swallows, warblers, and all the gering shorebirds, cormorants, raptors, terns, and other birds other good birds always present at this special park. as the tide rises.

May 2010 THE GULL 7 classes

ALBANY ADULT SCHOOL The following classes are held in the East Bay at the Albany Adult School. Class fees are noted on the school’s website: www.albany adultschool.org.

Birding by Ear Denise Wight, [email protected] Four Thursdays, May 6 – 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m., plus four Saturday fi eld trips, May 8 – 29, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Space may still be available in Denise Wight’s second session of Birding by Ear. Now that it’s spring, birds are in full song, and it’s the perfect time to learn some of our local spring songsters. We will listen to birdsongs in class and, on fi eld trips, visit various habitats to get a full range of the types of songs we hear in the Bay Area. Go to the instructor’s website (www.blkittiwake.com) for fi eld trip locations.

SUMMER IN THE SIERRA In late spring in the Sierra, the meadows are alive with Wilson’s Snipe, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and Wilson’s Phalaropes, and the mountains are buzzing with nesting woodpeckers Lewis/www.wingbeats.org Bob White-headed Woodpecker. (Black-backed, White-headed, and Hairy, and Williamson’s and Red-breasted Sapsuckers), Mountain Chickadees, Cassin’s Birds of the Sierra I Finches, warblers, and fl ycatchers (Dusky, Hammond’s, Gray, and Bob Lewis, [email protected]; Rusty Scalf, [email protected] Olive-sided). The calls of bittern, snipe, and Sandhill Cranes carry Thursday, June 10, 3 p.m. – Sunday, June 13, noon through the night. Fee: $99 for GGA members, $109 for nonmembers, including one Golden Gate Audubon offers two classes, each limited to 35 par- unforgettable dinner at San Francisco State’s campus in Bassetts ticipants. There may still be openings in these popular classes. on June 11. All activities take place in the Sierra. The initial meeting place for both sessions is the Yuba Pass parking lot on Highway 49 Birds of the Sierra II between Sierraville and Bassetts. Additional details will be pro- Bob Lewis, [email protected]; Eddie Bartley, eddie@ vided upon registration. Participants are responsible for their naturetrip.com own lodging reservations. To register for these classes, con- Thursday, June 17, 3 p.m. – Sunday, June 20, noon tact Stephanie Strait, GGA Offi ce Manager, ggas@goldengate Fee: $85 for GGA members, $95 for nonmembers (no meals audubon.org or 510.843.2222. included).

FIELD TRIPS continued from page 7 or call 877.444.6777. Lodging is available The trip begins at Mono Lake County Lassen Volcanic National Park about 15 miles north of the park at Hat Park at 8 a.m., Friday, July 9. On the fi rst June 25 – 27, Friday – Sunday Creek Restort, Old Station, 530.335.7121. two days, we will visit the west and south Dan and Joan Murphy, 415.564.0074, Other information is available from the shores of Mono Lake, Lundy and Lee Vin- [email protected] (email preferred) park headquarters, Mineral, CA 96063. ing Canyons, and Saddlebag Lake. The third day, we will be at over 10,000 feet The 2010 GGA trip to Lassen will take Details about this trip will appear on the and will spend the day hiking, with a sig- place on the extended weekend of June Golden Gate Audubon website and in the nifi cant climb. Participants must be in 25–27. We will have a preview event on the Summer Gull. good physical condition. evening of June 24. Camping facilities are available at the Manzanita Lake Camp- Mono Lake and Eastern Sierra This trip is limited to 20 participants. ground. About half the sites are on a July 9 – 11, Friday – Sunday Please contact the trip leaders to reserve fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. For reserved Emilie Strauss, 510-540-8749; Rusty Scalf, your spot. More information to be found sites, check online at www.recreation.gov [email protected] in the Summer Gull.

8 THE GULL May 2010 observations

BRUCE MAST MARCH 1 – 31, 2010

arch marked the return in earnest M of migrant nesting species, includ- ing swallows, orioles, and warblers. For procrastinating rarity chasers, March was a month of forgiveness. Many February specialties lingered through March to give birders another chance to extend their lists.

LOONS TO DUCKS Seawatches from Pigeon Pt., SM, noted a visiting Northern Fulmar on the 7th and a Manx Shearwater on the 13th (RT, LB). Researchers on Año Nuevo Island, SM, fi rst located a Brown Booby on Feb. 25 and obtained a photograph on Mar. 16 (mob). Three White-faced Ibises remained in Abe Borker/www.abeborker.com Abe various S. Bay (SCL) locations, including Brown Booby on Año Nuevo Island, San Mateo. Salt Pond A1 and Palo Alto Flood Control Basin (mob). Likewise, the Oakland Tufted ID’d on Mar. 6 at Pillar Pt., SM (BK), and ote Pt., SM, Mar. 17–28 (RT; JM), and 2 Duck continued to accept handouts at L. the feat was repeated on the 7th and 13th Phainopeplas wandered over to Sausal Merritt, ALA (mob). A Harlequin Duck from Pigeon Pt. (RT). Pond, SM, on the 14th (RF). remained 3 days through the 14th at Baker Beach in the Presidio, SF (SP, MZ; mob). DOVES TO THRASHERS WOOD WARBLERS TO FINCHES On the 13th, another Harlequin was found A Long-eared Owl was discovered on Mar. Palm Warblers continued through mid- loafi ng on a rock in Tomales Bay, south of 14 at Campbell Cove at Bodega Harbor, month at D’Anna Yacht Harbor, Oakland, Nick’s Cove, MRN (BB). SON (HK, BD). Its Short-eared cousin was and Hollis-Doyle Park, Emeryville, ALA The White-winged Scoter count at San fl ushed from a grassy roost on Laguna Ave. (mob). A Northern Waterthrush from the Pt. Leandro Marina, ALA, maxed out this in Coyote Valley, SCL, on the 25th (TG). Reyes CBC was refound on the 15th along month at 3 males and 2 females (ZB; NA). Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers lingered at Arbor Sir Francis Drake Blvd., MRN (DMo). A solo Black Scoter turned up at Emery Pt., and Creek Dr. in Menlo Park, SM, and A male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak pro- ALA, on the 30th (GC). Both scoters were at Edsel and Craig Dr. in San Jose, SCL, vided eye candy at SF Botanical Garden, reported regularly from coastal locations. (mob). Likewise, a Hammond’s Flycatcher GGP, Mar. 14–30 (JC, BT; MW). After hung around all month at Garin/Dry Cr. nearly a month’s absence, an Indigo Bun- RAPTORS TO ALCIDS RP, ALA (mob). Another Hammond’s was ting returned to a San Bruno feeder, SM, On the 15th, a light-morph Rough-legged refound on Mar. 13–23 along Water Lane on the 14th, this time bedecked in indigo Hawk made a rare visit to Patterson Pass, in Pescadero, SM, where it was fi rst dis- splendor (AP, fi de EB). An Orchard Oriole ALA (ZB, EP). A Prairie Falcon soared over covered on the Año Nuevo CBC (RT; LG, was photographed Mar. 29–30 at SF Botan- Sugarloaf SP, SON, on the 13th (HK, BD). JF). A Yellow-billed Magpie strayed to Coy- ical Garden, GGP (SL; DMo). Mountain Quail called from the summit of Pine Flat Rd., SON, on the 28th (BM, See Birding Resources at www.goldengateaudubon.org, for complete sightings data. TH). Early morning visitors to Coyote Hills Semicolons separate original observer(s) from subsequent observer(s). Abbreviation “mob” = many observers; “oob” = other observers. Information is compiled from BirdBox transcripts and regional listservs; the author apologizes for any errors or omissions. RP, ALA, were rewarded with up to 5 call- Special thanks to Rod Thornton for helping compile Observations data. ing Black Rails through the 30th (mob). Abbreviations for Observers: AP, Ann Parker; BB, Bob Battagin; BD, Bill Doyle; BK, Barbara Kossy; BM, Bruce Mast; BT, Brian Turner; CH, Chris Harbard; DE, Daniel Edelstein; DMI, David McIntyre; DMo, Dominik Mosur; EB, Eddie Bartley; EP, Eric Pilotte; GC, George A Pacifi c Golden-Plover paused at Albany Chrisman; HF, Harry Fuller; HK, Helen Kochenderfer; JC, Josiah Clark; JF, Jeff Fairclough; JM, Joseph Morlan; LB, Leonie Batkin; LG, Mudfl ats on the 3rd, seen from Central Laurie Graham; MK, Mary Krentz; MW, Marc Weibel; MZ, Matt Zlatunich; NA, Noah Arthur; NS, Nancy Schorr; PSa, Paul Saraceni; PSc, Paul Schorr; RF, Ron Fulks; RT, Ron Thorn; SL, Steve Lewitzky; SP, Steve Phillips; TG, Ted Gross; TH, Tim Howe; ZB, Zach Baer

Avenue in El Cerrito, CC (DE). Abbreviations for Counties and Others: ALA, Alameda; CBC, Christmas Bird Count; CC, Contra Costa; CP, County Park; Cr., Creek; Glaucous Gulls were reported from Salt Cyn., Canyon; GGP, Golden Gate Park; L., Lake; MRN, Marin; Mt., Mount; N., North; NAP, Napa; NWR, National Wildlife Refuge; OSP, Open Space Preserve; PRNS, Pt Reyes National Seashore; Pt., Point; Rd., Road; Res., Reservoir; RP, Regional Park; RS, Regional Pond A16, SCL (mob); S. L. Merced, SF Shoreline; S., South; SB, State Beach; SCL, Santa Clara; SF, San Francisco; SM, San Mateo; SOL, Solano; SON, Sonoma; SP, State Park; SR, State Reserve (CH); Great Highway, SF (PSa); and Pigeon Pt., SM (RT). A Black-legged Kittiwake was Golden Gate Audubon Northern California Bird Box 415.681.7422.

May 2010 THE GULL 9 CONSERVATION CORNER from page 4 GGA Teams Up with Local Artist to Carpooling is ideal for out-of-town trips, for Support Bay Area Birds trips to a wildlife refuge, for example, where birding is done chiefl y from a car, and for classes, whether local or held outside the n her “Vanishing Series,” Bay Area artist Rita Sklar paints birds whose populations are Bay Area like those in the Sierra this sum- I in decline as a result of habitat loss, polluted water, changing climate, and other threats. mer (page 8). Birders are encouraged to help An exhibit of her watercolors, “Vanishing Birds of the Bay Area and Beyond,” will be on view the driver with expenses by contributing to from May 17 to June 25 at the Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery in the State of California the cost of fuel and bridge tolls. Offi ce Building, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland. You are invited to attend a reception on Thurs- day, June 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., to meet the artist and to hear Golden Gate Audubon discuss JOIN A CONSERVATION our work to help reduce the decline of bird populations in the Bay Area. COMMITTEE In her watercolors, Sklar emphasizes the unique beauty of each species. In so doing, Meet other birders and wildlife enthusiasts she reminds us that the diminishing populations not only are a loss to birders but send an on your side of the bay and fi nd out about urgent warning about the health of our environment. Efforts to restore nesting and feeding projects in your community. We have three grounds, ban pesticides, and protect sensitive wetlands and migratory stopovers contributed conservation committees. to bringing back species such as the California Brown Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, and Bald The East Bay Conservation Committee Eagle. Join us to fi nd out what Golden Gate Audubon is doing to help birds that rely on Bay meets the fi rst Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Area habitats. at the Golden Gate Audubon offi ce, 2530 If you are unable to attend the June 17 event, you are invited to the opening reception of San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. For fur- the exhibit, Thursday, May 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. The artist will be present. ther information, contact chair Phil Price ([email protected]). The San Francisco Conservation Com- Double Your Support for Golden Gate Audubon mittee meets the fi rst Wednesday of the One of the easiest ways to increase your support of Golden Gate Audubon is month at 7 p.m. at the Randall Museum, through your employer’s matching gift program. Some companies also match gifts 199 Museum Way (www.randallmuseum. from retirees and even the value of your volunteer time. org). For more information, contact chair Noreen Weeden (nweeden@goldengate To participate, contact your employer’s human resources offi cer to determine audubon.org). whether your company matches employee contributions and to obtain the appro- Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge, priate form. Some employers will match up to double your donation. Every dollar cochaired by Linda Vallee and Leora Fee- helps us achieve greater protection for birds. ney, meets the third Monday of the month. For more information, please contact Rue Mapp, Development Associate, at For time and location, contact Leora Fee- [email protected] or 510.843.2222. ney ([email protected]).

Donations

Thank you for your generous donations to support our many Gifts (to $99) Anne Cahill, Sheila Collins, Beverly Edge, Susan Ferrera, Angelika C. Geiger, conservation, education, and member activities! William J. and Zettie Lee Giddens, Robert A. Hallet, Cindy Johnson, N.D. Kimball, Corinne Lambden, Christine R. Mueller, Christine Dale Preston, Krehe Golden Eagle ($1,000 and above) H. and Katherine S. Ritter, Sara M. Shumer, Richard O. Sproul, Nikki Sullivan, Jay and Lisa Pierrepont Jerry Travis Peregrine Falcon ($500 to $999) Wildlife Guardians (Wildlife Guardians support GGA Anne B. Rowe with a monthly donation) Least Tern ($200 to $499) Elizabeth Grindon, Esperanza Pedrin Eric P. Anderson, David and Annie Armstrong, Anne Cahill, Jeffrey H. Cohen, In Honor Of Barbara F. Dengler, Kieran J. McCormick, Angus Parker MacDonald, George Donald and June Nadler, in honor of Dr. Henry Ralston and Helene Strauss In-Kind Donations Clapper Rail ($100 to $199) Jon Harvey, spotting scope Sharon B. Anderson, Mark F. Anderson and Kimberlee S. Stryker, Patricia Beth Robinson, design and printing services for Birdathon 2010 Bacchetti, Timothy J. Cleere, Patricia A. and Roger J. Crawford, Jr., Linda A. Deaktor, Margo Freistadt, Jayme Gallagher, Patricia Lynn Gotchall, Liz Employee Gift Matches Hendrickson, Robert and Connie Hosemann, Nancy E. and William Johnston, IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program Roger and Doris Ketcham, Amy Meyer, Jo Ann Ogden, Bill Pinkham and Wanda LexisNexis Cares Matching Contributions Program Mar, Richard William and Ellen K. Price, Rusty Scalf, Mary E. Schaefer, I. Schmid- NorCal Mutual Insurance Company Maybach, Malcolm J. Sproul, Ann Stone, Constance M and Kevin H. Sutton, Motorola Foundation Deborah W. and David W. Trotter

10 THE GULL May 2010 BIRDATHON continued from page 1 now using platforms such as Foursquare HOW TO FORM A TEAM and Gowalla to “check in” to public spaces Spouses, coworkers, and families can join and businesses, and are sharing tips with you to form a team and share the excitement other visitors in real time right from their of discovering new bird species together. cell phones. This is a fantastic way to share Think up a catchy name, enlist your col- bird observations and locations with other leagues, friends, and family members, and participants, or to new discover birding decide when and where you wish to count areas to explore. birds. You can even count birds in your yard We encourage you to follow Golden Gate or a neighborhood park. Audubon as well on Twitter and mention Want to know how your team’s results your experiences and results on our Twitter stack up against others? Check out our account “GGAudubon.” real-time “Team Matchup” on the Birda- comes all Birdathon participants to attend thon web page to see how participating GO ON A GGA FIELD TRIP the celebratory banquet on June 2 at the teams compare by region and total num- For another way to take part while learn- Brazilian Room in Tilden Regional Park, ber of species counted. Just go to www. ing about the best birding places, look no Berkeley. There is no admission charge for goldengateaudubon/birdathon/matchup. further than our fi eld trip listings, starting all registered Birdathoners. Doors open at 6 Also, did you know that participants are on page 6. p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. A copy of your using social media to share the “birdiest” Golden Gate Audubon has scheduled completed pledge form is a ticket to attend locations and connect with other birders? several Birdathon trips to help participants this event, which will offer delicious food, Location-based social media are becoming count species within a 48-hour counting wine, and other beverages donated by local increasingly popular, and some people are period. Because our fi eld trips are guided by caterers and wineries. volunteers who are bird experts, attending a Festivities will include awards to out- special Birdathon fi eld trip or even a regular standing supporters and prizes for the fi eld trip during Birdathon can enable you winners of 15 competition categories, as to see more species than you could on your well as special guests and other excitement. own and provide access to fascinating bird Among the contributors are the Tallman information—all while raising funds for a Boutique Hotel at Clear Lake, AG Fer- worthwhile cause. rari, California Canoe and Kayak, Scope City Optics, REI, and the Esalen Institute. PARTICIPATION IN BIRDATHON There will also be gifts from local restau- HAS ITS REWARDS rants and wineries. Once you’ve enjoyed the excitement of see- Don’t miss your chance to participate in ing a host of wonderful birds, we want to Birdathon 2010. Please help us reach our show our appreciation for your support and goal of raising $20,000 to support Golden Michael Packer Michael http://packerlighting.com/CA-River_Web/ Want to join the Birdathon but don’t want to drive? extend the fun by inviting you to a very Gate Audubon’s important education and Get together a team to bird by bike. special event. Golden Gate Audubon wel- conservation programs. Register today!

Leave a Bay Area Legacy Golden Gate Audubon has protected into the future by naming Golden Gate Bay Area birds and wildlife habitat for Audubon in your will. Your gift will make a more than 90 years. More recently, we difference by enabling us to restore and have created innovative, award-winning protect more acres of habitat. It will also education programs to engage families help us educate the conservationists of and children from diverse backgrounds the future. with habitat protection. Our Eco-Educa- You can make a bequest to Golden Gate tion programs cultivate a conservation Audubon by simply designating “Golden Bob Lewis/www.wingbeats.org Bob ethic and offer opportunities for fi rst- Gate Audubon Society, Inc., a Califor- hand experience of our extraordinarily nia nonprofi t corporation” in your will. heirs and lifetime income, please contact rich local birdlife and urban-accessible For further information and to receive Marsha Mather-Thrift, Development Di- wetlands, watersheds, and shorelines. a brochure outlining other estate-plan- rector, at 510.843.7295 or mmathert@ You can help continue this important work ning opportunities that can provide for goldengateaudubon.org.

May 2010 THE GULL 11 golden gate audubon society NON-PROFIT ORG. 2530 san pablo avenue, suite g U.S. POSTAGE berkeley, ca 94702 PAID OAKLAND, CA Return service requested PERMIT NO.1702

The Gull is printed with soy-based inks on chlorine-free paper, 30% postconsumer waste content.

BURROWING OWLS from page 1 suppressed a report from its own staff rec- Fish and Game’s outdated and ineffective Currently, the only Burrowing Owls ommending that the owl be listed. policy that allows for Burrowing Owls to be breeding along the San Francisco Bay shore- evicted from their habitat without requiring line are at Shoreline Park in Mountain View, PARTNERS IN BURROWING OWL mitigation measures. where the population has declined steeply CONSERVATION Golden Gate Audubon will continue since 2004 and may be under threat of immi- For almost 40 years, the California Burrow- working with other members of the con- nent eviction by developers. A signifi cant ing Owl Consortium has served to bring sortium and partners such as Santa Clara population remains in eastern Alameda and together scientists, wildlife managers, and Valley Audubon, Ohlone Audubon, and the Contra Costa counties, but it suffers heavy concerned citizens to gather data, present Center for Biological Diversity to promote mortality from wind turbines in the area. fi ndings, and recommend conservation the recovery and conservation of the West- Several other sites around the bay, including measures for Burrowing Owls. In Febru- ern Burrowing Owl in the Bay Area. We Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley, host win- ary, the consortium convened to discuss owe a huge debt to our amazing volunteers tering owls from September through April conservation challenges, planning, and who served in the Burrowing Owl Docent annually. The wintering owls are believed to advocacy strategies for Burrowing Owls. Program at Cesar Chavez Park and who come from their breeding grounds in Can- According to at least one speaker, there is have contributed to the Friends of the East ada (where they are listed as endangered) an effort to create a regulatory framework Bay Owls advocacy efforts. Now is the time and the northwestern United States. in regional conservation plans that will pro- for you to get involved and help protect our Because of their precipitous decline, vide protections for rare species such as the Burrowing Owls. Western Burrowing Owls have been identi- Burrowing Owl, even if they are not listed If you are interested in working on regional fi ed by the California Department of Fish as threatened or endangered. Speakers also and statewide Burrowing Owl preservation and Game as a Species of Special Concern discussed how successful conservation of issues, please contact GGA Conservation (Shuford and Gardali, 2008). Unfortunately, the Burrowing Owl will depend on protec- Director Mike Lynes, mlynes@goldengate- the designation does not afford the owls any tion of breeding grounds, overwintering audubon.org, 510.843-6551 special protection, and CDFG has not ini- burrow sites, and ample foraging habitat. To become a Burrowing Owl Docent, tiated any adequate policies to protect the Recently, the Friends of the East Bay please register with Volunteer Coordina- species. The Center for Biological Diversity Owls was formed to protect local owls, in tor Jennifer Robinson Maddox, jrobinson@ and others petitioned for the Western Bur- part in response to the eviction of more goldengateaudubon.org, 510.843.9374. rowing Owl to be listed under California’s than a dozen resident Burrowing Owls Endangered Species Act in 2003, but the from their homes in Antioch. The group Prepared with assistance from Mary Malec of petition was rejected, in part because CDFG is actively challenging the Department of GGA’s Burrowing Owl Docent Program.